Well, I hope so but it is better be safe than sorry though especially for on-line orderings which I have been exercising a lot this day!

Firewall is built in to Linux; anti-malware is, currently, not necessary.

As long as your system has not been exploited containing malware and your browser has established an encrypted channel with the website there is no reason why there should be any problem.

I would recommend GFI VIPRE Premium as it contains both a good antimalware and firewall (which is based on the good old Kerio Personal Firewall), make sure Java is uninstalled if you aren't using it. Lock the firewall rules down very tightly to just allow traffic from known executables (rather than leaving it on automatic or beginner mode which may just allow any outbound comms).

You should be fine, if you aren't there will be mass hysteria in the press as many XP machines get infected etc etc (this will still be most likely ones without AV and firewall), but don't blame Microsoft they did warn you!

I'm still using Windows 2000 on one laptop with no issues, XP on a PC and W7 on another laptop. All networked together with all virus' contained with AVG antivirus and ZoneAlarm firewall on all machines.

Really, I'm glad to hear that too! I may consider upgrading all my old PCs to suitable Linux OS IF the Windows XP security situations are seriously getting worse after that cutoff support date.

In reply to a post by johnjburness:

In reply to a post by AEP:

This let's you check out different distributions before committing to an install. But it's a lot slower than a proper install, so not good as a permanent solution.

Slightly different tack - any suggestions for which "flavour" of Linux?

I've recently got a new PC - hence I was thinking of converting my old PC to Linux in order to get familiar with it!

I should add that I have NO experience of Linux whatsoever!

Elementary os, seems to be a good one for starters and for older machines. I am using it n my laptop and at the moment it is installed on my desktop, in fact I am using it now and running Chromium on it writing this message
Based on Ubuntu, so drivers should be ok and a fair bit of software in the software centre.

In reply to a post by Pipexer:

You're worried too much, XP isn't going to get suddenly insecure even if people do start reverse-engineer patches for newer OS and try and attack XP. AV and firewall and common sense and you'll be fine for a good few years.

That is true, but i know a few people who have older machines running Xp and looking at Linux. it can't be a bad thing to get more people running linux and open source software to be honest.

...Until there is a problem...

In reply to a post by MrTAToad2:

...Until there is a problem...

Which can and do happen with Windows. i know people who have had Linux installed on a computer for a few years and not one problem, try doing that with Windows.


Linux is no good if you are a games player and at the moment there is not really a video editor that comes close to Vegas, but for a lot of people a good linux distro would be better than keeping Xp installed, at least it would be more secure.

Going up to a mates place over the weekend to stick a Linux distro onto his old toshiba laptop, ok his wifes Toshiba laptop. Not sure with distro yet, but we will look into that at the weekend.

i am not saying linux is for everyone, but if you only use your computer to browse the net, do a bit of word processing, then it is ideal, of cause you can do more with it.

An Extension to April 2015!

This may be of interest.

Edited by philippercival (Thu 16-Jan-14 10:42:51)